Tarkulha Devi Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Gorakhpur is the nearest airport. Take a bus or taxi onward from there.

• By train

  Trains run to Chauri Chaura from Deoria or Gorakhpur.

• By road

  Buses and taxis run from Gorakhpur, Deoria or Chauri Chaura. From the main road, walk about 1.5 km, or use a private vehicle or rickshaw.

Rules to know

• Visitors who do not want to take part in animal sacrifice can offer coconuts to the deity.

Why devotees come here

Tarkulha Devi Temple in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh, is dedicated to Devi Tarkulha, a form of Durga. It is one of the major attractions near Chauri Chaura, and goats offered during Navaratri are shared afterwards as prasad.

Tarkulha Devi Temple is a Hindu temple in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to Devi Tarkulha. Tarkulha is one of the many forms of Devi Durga. Her name is said to come from the tarkul tree, which means palm tree.

Freedom fighter Bandhu Singh considered Tarkulha Devi his chosen deity. He fought the British with guerrilla war tactics. Finally he was arrested by the British, who hanged him publicly at Ali Nagar Chauraha in Gorakhpur on 12 August 1857.

Goats are offered to her, especially during Navaratri, and the meat is distributed as prasad among the faithful. Those who do not wish to sacrifice animals offer coconuts to her instead. On the eve of Chaitra Ram Navami, a large fair goes on for a month every year.

Festivals

• NavaratriNavaratri

  Goats are sacrificed as offerings, and over 500 are sacrificed each on Navami and Dashami alone.

• Eve of Chaitra RamnavamiChaitra Ram Navami fair

  A large fair lasting one month is held every year, with grand festivities.

Tips for your visit

• The Chaitra Ram Navami fair goes on for about a month, starting on the eve of the festival.
• Animal sacrifice is especially common during Navaratri, so plan your visit around those days if you would rather not see it.

Questions people ask